The new-look edition of AM, the most-read* magazine for the UK’s motor retail industry, is published today.

Inside, we bring you even more business-critical insight, interviews, market trends and expert contributors, as well as the topical features and in-depth dealer profiles we are known for.

Every dealer we speak to talks about the challenges of recruiting and retaining top-quality people, so we have introduced a new section, Talent. Each month, it will focus on some of the crucial issues directly related to your workforce, from employment law or reward structures to well-being and training. The section is also home to news of the most important movers, plus advice and inspiration from expert speakers that will help you to improve your team and your business.

After another record new car market in 2016 – albeit private registrations actually declined – the prolonged push on registrations volumes by manufacturers’ national sales companies has coincided with a decline in overall franchised dealer profitability. Hopefully, there will be more time in 2017 to step back and reflect on what you do and why.

While the pressure has not lessened dramatically and new car sales will remain at high levels, now that the market has levelled off, some dealers may need to shift their focus to business improvements to ensure their returns increase.

There will be hurdles ahead, not least the impact felt when the UK invokes Article 50 to begin the formal split from the EU. Good luck with your 2017 trading.

*Based on June 2016 Issue ABC audit

 

Meet the AM team

EDITOR
Tim Rose
NEWS & FEATURES EDITOR
Tom Sharpe
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Stephen Briers
HEAD OF DIGITAL/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jeremy Bennett